You need the v0.83 version of the install guide and the Kernel sources XORG40072_20061226c version.

Once you have built the Unichrome Pro drivers you can use the install script to add them to any MD (you can build them on the Core or any other Kbuntu machine running the correct kernel - it does not have to be a Via machine). We usually add them during the first real boot of a new MD at the point where the AVwizard tries to run but can't start X (the display will continually loop in the console - going blank for a few secs each time). Just ssh into the MD and run the installer from the console choosing the appropriate options for your Via hardare etc. After about 60 secs the AVwizard will spring to lif and display its first screen... this is an indication that the drivers have installed cleanly.

I've a VIA based MD with CLE266, and according to its xorg.conf it is already using via driver shipped with Kubuntu/LMCE.

Are you saying that those drivers are NOT Unichrome Pro?

I've given a look at the pdf with the compiling procedure and it's a bit scaring to me. This is because I've tried last week to compile an external module but I messed up all my kernel modules and I had to get them out from a backup.It looks like the .config file shipped with linux sources / headers differs from what have been used to compilemy actual system modules, so after reboot no module was loaded anymore.

So before going again through the same story I prefer to make 100% sure that this is the only option I have.

I've a VIA based MD with CLE266, and according to its xorg.conf it is already using via driver shipped with Kubuntu/LMCE.

Are you saying that those drivers are NOT Unichrome Pro?

I've given a look at the pdf with the compiling procedure and it's a bit scaring to me. This is because I've tried last week to compile an external module but I messed up all my kernel modules and I had to get them out from a backup.It looks like the .config file shipped with linux sources / headers differs from what have been used to compilemy actual system modules, so after reboot no module was loaded anymore.

So before going again through the same story I prefer to make 100% sure that this is the only option I have.

TIAMarco

Well we had a lot of problems with the Via drivers in Kubuntu 7.04 - and from memory I think they are Openchrome. So we built our own Unichrome Pro drivers using the sources and the pdf from Via Arena.

If you get good performance from the drivers your using then stick with them.

Right... you need the Unichrome Pro II drivers to get UI2 support and they have to be licensed from Via by systems integrators.

On a side note: doesn't it really sucks? I actually liked EX15000G motherboard. It really surprised me when I leaned that you don't get access to their driver even if you buy the hardware from them -- it is worse than Microsoft's business practices. I am sure I can live without Via.

Right... you need the Unichrome Pro II drivers to get UI2 support and they have to be licensed from Via by systems integrators.

On a side note: doesn't it really sucks? I actually liked EX15000G motherboard. It really surprised me when I leaned that you don't get access to their driver even if you buy the hardware from them -- it is worse than Microsoft's business practices. I am sure I can live without Via.

Well I do agree its not idea... but in terms of video playback quality, performance, energy consumption, fanless quiet operation etc etc... the Via based motherboards really are very hard to beat. From a technical perspective UI2 is great but video playback performance is more important than transparent menus in my opinion and the Via's deliver that by the truck load. I know this is not necessarily a commonly held view but its one we hold strongly here.

actually performances with standard drivers are not that bad with DVD playback, but I'm experiencing serious problems with DivX.Basically when playing DivX my VIA MD crashes on a regular basis, sometimes after few seconds, sometimes after 40 minutes playback.I couldn't find any relevant trace into logs, apart of this error occurring at boot time:

Googling around I've found (very few) indications that this may be a bug in the via driver, so I guess I've no other options that going for Via Unichrome Pro drivers.

Here comes the crucial question: is the .config file shipped with kernel sources/header of Kubuntu 7.04 the correct one to use for compiling additional drivers/modules?Or does this file need some changes?